diff --git a/.publishrc b/.publishrc
index fe0e22548c..ef370e94b5 100644
--- a/.publishrc
+++ b/.publishrc
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
     "gitTag": true
   },
   "confirm": false,
-  "publishTag": "latest",
+  "publishTag": "rc",
   "prePublishScript": "gulp test-server",
   "postPublishScript": "gulp docker-publish"
 }
diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index 6c77a34a0e..8c7f277516 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 {
   "name": "testcafe",
-  "version": "3.4.0",
+  "version": "3.5.0-rc.1",
   "lockfileVersion": 3,
   "requires": true,
   "packages": {
     "": {
       "name": "testcafe",
-      "version": "3.4.0",
+      "version": "3.5.0-rc.1",
       "license": "MIT",
       "dependencies": {
         "@babel/core": "^7.23.2",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 4b3b5c9bcb..00974742b8 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
   "name": "testcafe",
   "description": "Automated browser testing for the modern web development stack.",
   "license": "MIT",
-  "version": "3.4.0",
+  "version": "3.5.0-rc.1",
   "author": {
     "name": "Developer Express Inc.",
     "url": "https://www.devexpress.com/"